The meeting was called to order at 8:05PM by Council President Spiech who read the Open Public Meetings Act Statement as prescribed by law. Notice was advertised in The Record on July 20, 2001 stating that this meeting would be held at the Municipal Offices, 300B Route 17 South, Mahwah, New Jersey on Thursday, May 23, 2002 at 8:00PM.

Notice was also advertised in The Record on May 13, 2002 stating that a public hearing would be held on the filing of an application by the Township of Mahwah to the Bergen County Open Space, Recreation Farmland and Historic Preservation for a grant in an amount up to $1,200,000.00 for construction of a bikeway along Darlington Avenue in the Township of Mahwah.

Notice of this meeting is posted on the Municipal Bulletin Board. The minutes of this meeting shall be available in the Municipal Clerkƒ­s Office.

APPROVAL OF BILLS AND CLAIMSOn a motion by Calandrillo, seconded by DaPuzzo, the Bills and Claims, previously signed, totaling $1,165,520.37, were approved. All in favor. Motion carried. A list of Bills and Claims is on file in the Municipal Clerkƒ­s Office.

REPORT OF TOWNSHIP COUNCIL AND MUNICIPAL CLERKCalandrillo - the Municipal Complex is making good progress.

The Business Administrator informed the Council that the second and third floors have been poured. Rapid development will be noticed at the municipal building.

DaPuzzo - no report.

DiGiulio - a Beautification Meeting will be held at the Municipal Offices on June 3rd at 8PM. A proposal shall be prepared by our Township Engineer.

DiGiulio thanked the Mayor and the Recreation Director for the banners that have been placed throughout town. DiGiulio informed the public that a light is now shining on the flagpole at Veteranƒ­s Memorial Park.

Donigian stated that an Inter-Government Meeting will be held in Ramsey on June 6th at 6:30PM regarding the sewer connection and Apple Ridge Pumping Station.

Donigian said a meeting will be held in Ramsey on May 30th at 7:30PM with Commissioner Fox regarding the new train station. Donigian recommended interested persons call Ramsey Town Hall for the location of the meeting.

Donigian congratulated the new and re-elected Councilmembers and wished them the best. He further stated that he has enjoyed his last eight years working with the Council.

Omsberg said the next Library Board Meeting will be June 19th at 7:30PM. The Library is hoping Council adopts the draft ordinance which is for the safety of children. Omsberg stated the Borough of Cresskill adopted the Ordinance and has had no problems.

Omsberg gave a Planning Board report. The Sub Review Committee approved an elevation change at 2 Woodbury. At the Work Session, Beth Haverim requested a berm redesign, which was granted. Omsberg stated Dkt. #435 for Gabrelian is off the agenda until June 10th for three buildings in the IP-120 zone. Omsberg stated that a Soil Movement Permit Application has been received for 6 Tudor Rose. It is conditional upon the comments and further review from the Engineers.

Omsberg further stated that Danza Property on Halifax Road and Washington Lane are being considered awaiting further review.

Omsberg congratulated the candidates for winning the Election.

Omsberg reminded everyone of our Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27, 2002.

Richter said the Memorial Day Parade will start at Immaculate Heart of Mary R.C. Church and will end at Veteranƒ­s Memorial Park.

Spiech attended a meeting at the Bergen County Police and Fire Academy with regard to Indian Point on Tuesday. He stated that a plan is in place, that in an emergency, school children will be bused to various schools in Bergen County, Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, New Jersey being the closest. He further spoke of ƒ±shadow evacuationƒ°, in which people would jump in the car and drive away from Indian Point.

Spiech attended the Senior Luncheon today. The Senior Citizens are looking forward to moving into the new building.

Spiech said the Fishing Contest will be at Silver Creek on Saturday. He further stated that the Memorial Day Parade line up is at 9:30AM from Immaculate Heart of Mary R.C. Church. The Parade starts at 10AM and ends at Veteranƒ­s Memorial Park.

Spiech thanked everyone for removing their signs from the Election that were placed throughout the Township.

REPORT OF MAYOR AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATORMayor Martel attended the meeting regarding Indian Point on Tuesday.

Mayor Martel reminded all of the Fishing Contest on Saturday, May 25th and the Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27th at 10AM.

Mayor Martel congratulated the winners of the Municipal Election.

The Business Administrator stated that three projects are underway throughout the Township. Public Service Electric and Gas Company is installing new lines, Viola Company is installing new 20" water mains and valves and Montana Company is replacing water mains in the western section of the Township. Roadway paving should be done in the summer.

The Business Administrator stated that the floors have been poured and the roof deck installed at the new Municipal Building.

GENERAL PUBLIC DISCUSSION (30 MINUTES)On a motion by Omsberg, seconded by DaPuzzo, the meeting was opened to the public at 8:20PM. All in favor. Motion carried.

Mr. Arno J. Lind of 71 Fisher Road read a statement prepared by Joan Moore, President of Apple Ridge Homeowners Association, which states Ms. Moore feels that the Airmont field which will be adjacent to Apple Ridge will be very disturbing by the influx of people, traffic and noise which will disrupt the current level of peace and tranquility to the residents at Apple Ridge. Ms. Moore was shocked to hear the lights are proposed and also there will be adult industrial leagues at the Airmont site. Mr. Lind, Vice President of Apple Ridge Homeowners Association, appeals to Council to reevaluate the lighting of the fields and feels there should be more compromise on both sides and discussions as mature adults. He also stated that some of the players that will use Township fields may not be residents.

Mr. Michael Krieger of 207 Bush Lane recommended Council check with the Board of Education regarding the property adjacent to the field across from Secorƒ­s. He does not understand why the Airmont Avenue location is where the recreation field is proposed. Trees will come down and he questioned if there are any tree frogs.

Mr. Peter Cassotis of 107 South Mahwah Road stated he is a 34 year resident. He has seen the Township grow from 9,000 to 25,000 residents. There is a desperate need to have recreation fields for the children. Parents are working, and are not able to be at fields during light time hours and lights are needed.

Mr. Mark Goodfriend of 146 Fisher Road stated that he is not opposed to soccer and baseball. He questions the need for lights and next to a dense community. He said the field across from Secorƒ­s was not being used on Tuesday. The Commodore Perry field was empty this evening, with the lights on. He feels children will not be playing at night. He further asked if the Council would want noise and lights in their backyard. He wants the Council to do the right thing.

Mr. Keith Schlanger of 150 Fisher Road stated he moved here for the quietness. Mr. Schlanger recommended limiting the time lights would be on. He asked the Mayor for his opinion. The Mayor stated that while preparing the Municipal Budget, he and the Business Administrator cut some items from the Capital Accounts. Council concurred to reinstate the amount in the Capital Accounts. The Mayor said he felt they should concentrate on the field at Route 202.

Mr. Schlanger stated the main issue is the lights and recommends Council to review the issue again.

Mr. Rick Hartigan of 5 Tartan Road stated he is a 15 year resident with three children. He has been coaching since the children were old enough to play sports. The Township needs the fields. He understands the residents of Apple Ridge donƒ­t want the field in their backyard, but said this is in the best interest for the children.

Mr. Al Calick of 275 Belmont Drive stated the right place for the recreation field is across from Secorƒ­s. He feels all the fields will not be used and suggested the Council to re-evaluate the facilities. He stated school fields could be used. Security would be better at Secorƒ­s. Stop lights now.

Mrs. Irmgard Santaiti of 243 Airmont Avenue attended the Council Meeting of May 16, 2002 when Musco Lighting was present. She stated lights do not belong at Airmont Avenue, as they will be uglier than cell towers. She stated the Route 202 property has 200 feet of buffer, and Airmont Avenue property has less than 40 feet of buffer. She recommends the $200,000 budgeted for the lights be put to better use. She recommends a walking path be placed at Airmont Avenue field and make an area where people can sit and read a book.

Mr. Andrew Vadyak of 214 Bush Lane is a one and one half year resident of Mahwah. He had lived in Long Island and lost value to his home due to an industrial league in his neighborhood. He stated Council should reconsider lights.

Mr. John DeAngelo of 200 Indian Field Court has been on Recreation Committee for 18 years. There is a definite need for fields in Mahwah.

Mr. Kenneth Angelo of 44 Murray Avenue stated that the reason the fields are not being used this evening is there is a play tonight. At present, teams can only have one practice per week. If the fields are completed properly, five teams could be on one field. He said that Secorƒ­s field has wetlands. Due to all the condominiums built in the Township, the Township needs fields now. He further said that if the lights are done properly they will not shine on the houses.

Ms. Marcia Kress of 69 Fisher Road moved to Mahwah from Montvale because of the uniqueness of the area. Now 70 foot lights and 85 car parking lot will be across from where she lives. She feels her investment is at risk, and stated no one wants traffic and noise and believes this will be an eye and ear sore. She further said we voted one Councilman off the board and the field should not be at this location. The public has spoken, please listen.

Mr. Harold Lehman of 29 Wagon Trail is on the Baseball Committee and Mahwah Boosters. He feels it is crucial to have lights. Volunteers are commuters and is difficult to have practice time at night. He stated ƒ±invest in our childrenƒ°.

Mr. Nick Giancaspro of 70 Maysenger Road is President of the Soccer League. He has concerns about the growth of Mahwah.

Ms. Angela Clarkin of 133 Rutherford Road feels the fields will be used for Industrial League and recommends better use of the property.

Ms. Ilene Lesser of 200 Van Winkle Lane thought lighting was not planned for the Airmont Avenue fields. She thought there would be nature walks, etc. Now it appears it will be adult fields with lights. The homes in the surrounding area will see the lights.

Mr. Donald Marx of 202 Van Winkle Lane thanked Council President Spiech for allowing the people to speak at last weekƒ­s meeting. Mr. Marx said he asked the representative from Musco Lighting if he went to the Apple Ridge Condo area. The representative said no, he had done all the work on the computer. Mr. Marx went to the Montvale recreation field on Sunday night and walked around picking up soda and beer cans and wrappers. He saw a Police Officer and told him he was walking around the field. The Officer said this is not a police problem, it is a political problem. Mr. Marx continued by saying Mr. Donigian did an excellent job. The Focus Groups did the survey. The group was concerned about lighting.

Council took a recess at 9:40PM. Council resumed at 9:50PM.

Mr. Ken Ebeling of 55 Lehman Street is a second generation in Mahwah. He said the Council did a fine job. He said soccer is played in October and November and it is dark after 5PM. He is in favor of the facility and lights and said stay on course, you have done a good job.

Mr. Craig Arnoldi of 18 Crescent Ridge Road commended Ward Donigian on a good job. He said he can not see an Industrial League playing at the Airmont Avenue location. The Township is in desperate need for fields and lighting and said ƒ±Ward, thank you.ƒ°

Mr. Frank Dalto of 156 Fisher Road said he is a resident of Apple Ridge and resident of Bergen County all of his life. He moved here from Ridgewood where he was a soccer and baseball coach on fields in Ridgewood (with no lights). He questioned how the Township could make this decision in this area. Give the kids the fields, but not there.

Mr. Robert Helm of 22 Green Way is the Football Commissioner and thanked Ward Donigian for a wonderful job and has all the confidence in the Council. He further said that if lights are not done, it¡¦s crazy. Musco lighting, which is intended for the area will have minimal impact on the residents.

Mr. Robert Mech of 15 Nielsen Avenue stated he is definitely for the facility on Airmont Avenue.

Mrs. Kathy Murray of 88 Bridle Path Lane is very upset. She does not believe anything. She does not want lights at Route 202, and said Council would not put lights in their back yard. She further said there are new people in the County, possibly the Township could do a land swap. She further said the fields are up to $5 million and asked if we have received the approvals. Spiech said yes.

Mr. Alvin Calik of 275 Belmont Drive understood that the Mayor said there would be a one year moratorium on building. He recommended using the existing ball field and 14 acres owned by the Board of Education or another site.

Mr. Michael Krieger of 207 Bush Lane stated he heard the concerns of many residents. Some residents say this is good for the children. He feels this is a land use policy and questions if Airmont Avenue is the right place for the facility. If lights go in, we will be fighting for years.Mr. Krieger said find the right sight, and then have lights.

Mr. Mark Goodfriend of 146 Fisher Road has two recommendations:1. Have the 800 people that sent surveys find alternate sites2. Consider 10% abatement for donating excess of property from companies.

In ending, he said have the fields without lights and let the children use them.

Mr. Drew Baumgart of 147 Second Street stated he is a 30 year resident of the Township. He is past Environmental Commission Chairman and Recreation Commission Chairman. He stated that Council has worked as a team. It¡¦s been a good, hard effort. He further stated the Council voted unanimously to purchase land and vote unanimously for lights on the field.

On a motion by Calandrillo, seconded by DaPuzzo, the meeting was closed to the public. All in favor. Motion carried.

DaPuzzo stated that the Recreation Sub-Committee brought ƒ±lightingƒ° to the Council in December. DaPuzzo said we need lights. The baseball program starts approximately April 1st and it is dark about 6:15PM. The games start around April 18th and it is starting to get dark around 7PM. It is impossible to start the games earlier as 99% of the coaches work until 5:30PM. Games would play until around 8:45PM and the lights would be off by then.

DaPuzzo suggested that by lighting the other fields, the Township would have the availability of spreading out the teams and taking some of the pressure off Commodore Perry Field and feels the lights would be off at 8:30PM.

DaPuzzo stated that in the Maser Report, they recommended Council to purchase the Airmont Avenue property.

Donigian stated that a meeting was held with the Recreation Sub-Committee on January 18th in which Joan Moore, President of Apple Ridge Association, was present it was the consensus of those present to put lights at the Airmont Avenue property.

Donigian said in the Maser Report, they indicated not to rely on Board of Education fields.

Richter said schools have been provided for children and there must be a balance of recreation and the arts. At this time this is the best way to go.

Omsberg stated that we must consider the children of the Township in getting them adequate recreation, we must also consider the residents and also try and meet their needs. The lighting issue is all together different, it belongs in some areas and not in others where the fields would be surrounded by residential homes. Lighting becomes an intrusion at that point.

Omsberg recommended improving the lights at Commodore Perry field. Omsberg recommends that another straw poll be taken in regard to lights on the Airmont Avenue property. Omsberg would also like the Council President and Administration to look into alternatives for the Airmont Avenue property.

DiGiulio stated she was part of the Recreation Committee six (6) years ago. Mount Laurel brought in many new residents while providing no recreation facilities and forced the town¡¦s growth from 11,000 to 18,000 residents. The Council had contacted the College to lease property and looked into leasing land from corporations.

DiGiulio said that the amount of money being spent on the fields and not to install lights is nonproductive. DiGiulio said areas for the fields are security, the usage and timing of the lights. She further stated that she has asked Administration to look into putting a new type of lighting at Commodore Perry Field.

Omsberg said if there was a vote on the Airmont Avenue property including lighting, she would not have voted for it.

Spiech replied to some of the concerns from the residents that spoke earlier. He stated that the Council is presently working on a Lighting Ordinance. He stated that all the lights will not go off at once. Wetlands at the Route 202 and Airmont Avenue site will not be invaded. There is passive recreation in both locations. He further stated that Musco Lighting is state of the art and that is why they prepared their recommendations on the computer for Airmont Avenue.

Spiech said this Council can not bind future Councils and the Recreation Sub-Committee did an excellent job. He said that the Airmont Avenue property will have baseball and softball fields and he feels lights will be at that site.

Spiech said the Mayor did recommend not doing anything this year with Airmont in order to save money. The Council voted to put the money back in the budget.

Spiech said a Lighting Ordinance will control the lights. The lighting system the Township will put in has pre-sets that shut the lights of at certain times.

PUBLIC HEARINGBergen County Open Space, Recreation, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund Grant ApplicationThe Business Administrator made a presentation to the Council. Mr. Campion stated the Township is applying for a grant of $1,200,000.00 for the project entitled Mahwah Bikeway connecting the County and Township Parks.

The Business Administrator further stated $200,000.00 has been awarded by the Department of Transportation and $300,000.00 has been budgeted for the Danza Property.

On a motion by DaPuzzo, seconded by Omsberg, the meeting was opened to the public at 11:10PM. All in favor. Motion carried.

Being there were no comments from the public, on a motion by Omsberg, seconded by DaPuzzo, the meeting was closed to the public at 11:15PM. All in favor. Motion carried.

Calandrillo questioned the different colors on the presentation board. The Business Administrator stated that the colors were the different phases.

Omsberg questioned the size of the bike path and what type of bike would be permitted. The Business Administrator said the bike path will be six to eight feet wide, and depending on the Ordinance the bike will be non-motorized.

DaPuzzo made a motion, seconded by Calandrillo to adopt. All in favor. Motion carried.

ORDINANCES - INTRODUCTIONSThe title of an Ordinance was read as follows:2002 SALARY ORDINANCE

RESOLUTION - ORDINANCE NO. 1417

Introduced by Calandrillo, seconded by Richter.

RESOLVED that the Ordinance be passed and adopted on first reading.

FURTHER RESOLVED that said Ordinance be considered for final passage at a meeting to be held on June 13, 2002 at 8:00PM at the Municipal Offices, 300B Route 17 South, Mahwah, New Jersey.

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk shall publish said Ordinance with notice of introduction, passage and time and place where said ordinance will be considered for final passage.

CONSENT AGENDAResolutions #139-02 through #146-02, and #149-02 through #152-02 and the approval of the Raffle Application for Ramapo College of New Jersey Alumni Association (Off-Premise) were voted on under the Consent Agenda.

Resolutions #147-02 and #148-02 were voted on separately.

Resolutions #139-02 through #152-02 are attached to and made part of these minutes.

RESOLUTIONSResolutions #153-02 and #154-02 were voted on separately. Resolutions are attached to and made part of these minutes.

NEW BUSINESSResolutions #155-02 through #158-02 were voted on separately. Resolutions are attached to and made part of these minutes.

PUBLIC PORTIONOn a motion by Omsberg, seconded by DaPuzzo, the meeting was opened to the public at 11:50PM.

On a motion by Omsberg, seconded by DaPuzzo, the meeting was closed to the public at 11:51PM.

COUNCIL COMMENTS/COMMUNICATIONSOmsberg requested Administration to provide her with the total expenditures for both recreation fields.

On a motion by Calandrillo, seconded by Omsberg, the meeting was adjourned at 11:53PM. All in favor. Motion carried.